Paint is peeling
Understanding Peeling Paint
Paint bubbling is also known as paint blistering, and these terms can be used interchangeably.
This condition occurs when paint starts lifting from the surface, forming bubbles in the finish.
Common Causes of Paint Peeling
Paint bubbling can occur for several reasons, including surface contamination, improper cleaning, environmental factors, and incompatible additives.
Painting over surfaces contaminated with oil, wax, grease, or silicone is one example of surface contamination that can lead to paint peeling.
Peeling Paint and Lead Hazards in Older Homes
The federal government banned the sale of lead-based paint for use in homes in 1978. Approximately three-quarters of homes built before this year in the United States may still contain some lead-based paint.
When painted surfaces are not maintained, lead paint can deteriorate, peel, chip, or crack, potentially becoming a hazard. Old or worn lead-based paint can produce hazardous chips and dust when inhaled or ingested, especially on surfaces subject to constant friction like doors or window sills.
Any renovation, repair, or painting project in a pre-1978 home or building with lead-based paint can easily create dangerous lead dust.
Addressing Paint Issues
Paint bubbling, while an imperfection, can be fixed. Understanding the causes of paint peeling can also help avoid it in future projects.
When planning any paint project, it is helpful to know the amount of paint required for your area. You can use a paint calculator to estimate your material needs at /.
Key takeaways
- Paint bubbling and blistering are interchangeable terms for paint lifting from a surface.
- Common causes of paint peeling include surface contamination, improper cleaning, environmental factors, and incompatible additives.
- Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, which can become hazardous if it peels, chips, or cracks.
- Renovation or repair projects in pre-1978 homes with lead paint can create dangerous lead dust.
Related tools
Estimate materials with our paint calculator on PaintMath.